You might expect a local authority to be able to look after the local heritage, but once again things Thanets valuables are at risk.
God knows we've seen what Sandy Ezekiel and Rodger Latchford are capable of and frankly its not much, purchasing the M&S building in Margate and sitting on it for a couple of years, the Tudor house rarely open, housing developments no one wants, traffic chaos,Northdown House closed, and now with Thanet museums closing, what a legacy, I seem to remember Roger Latchford briefly lifting local spirits by announcing his intention not to stand for the local council last year, maybe that was wishful thinking on my part.
Today I thought I would follow up on an email I received from Mr Latchford, regarding Northdown House which stated ".The TLF decision to cease taking bookings after 31 Dec is a matter for TLF" which is true up to a point, but as I understand the reason Thanet Leisure Force aren't taking any more bookings is the fact that Thanet Council have yet to decide what they are doing with Northdown House. Sandy & Roger need to make a decision now, every day they leave sorting out Northdown house its costing you and me money.
Revenue will now be lost because Sandy and Roger's Tory led council are incapable of making a decision and why? for one Northdown House was given to Margate council for the benefit of the community (and not so that some sleazy developer could make a fast Buck) secondly they know that apart from the legal implications of the covenants safeguarding this much loved asset there will be a massive public backlash against them if they try to flog off Northdown house.
Still whilst their scratching their heads over this one, the local economy which according to the likes of Sandy and Roger will be driven by more cultural activities will have to wait two or three years for the Turner Contemporary to open, therefore it might be reassuring to see the council do something to save Thanet museums, still I wouldn't hold your breath.
No doubt there's no money in the kitty, unless its for paying our big salaries to managers nobody would miss, Thanet Council has a chief executive and deputy chief executive, why not get rid of one, I spoke with one councillor recently who thought Thanet council could lose 10% of its staff and nobody would notice.
Why not have our Tory council that do what we expect of conservatives, that is deliver services cheaply maybe Sandy & Roger take too much advice from "officers" rather than take charge.
God knows we've seen what Sandy Ezekiel and Rodger Latchford are capable of and frankly its not much, purchasing the M&S building in Margate and sitting on it for a couple of years, the Tudor house rarely open, housing developments no one wants, traffic chaos,Northdown House closed, and now with Thanet museums closing, what a legacy, I seem to remember Roger Latchford briefly lifting local spirits by announcing his intention not to stand for the local council last year, maybe that was wishful thinking on my part.
Today I thought I would follow up on an email I received from Mr Latchford, regarding Northdown House which stated ".The TLF decision to cease taking bookings after 31 Dec is a matter for TLF" which is true up to a point, but as I understand the reason Thanet Leisure Force aren't taking any more bookings is the fact that Thanet Council have yet to decide what they are doing with Northdown House. Sandy & Roger need to make a decision now, every day they leave sorting out Northdown house its costing you and me money.
Revenue will now be lost because Sandy and Roger's Tory led council are incapable of making a decision and why? for one Northdown House was given to Margate council for the benefit of the community (and not so that some sleazy developer could make a fast Buck) secondly they know that apart from the legal implications of the covenants safeguarding this much loved asset there will be a massive public backlash against them if they try to flog off Northdown house.
Still whilst their scratching their heads over this one, the local economy which according to the likes of Sandy and Roger will be driven by more cultural activities will have to wait two or three years for the Turner Contemporary to open, therefore it might be reassuring to see the council do something to save Thanet museums, still I wouldn't hold your breath.
No doubt there's no money in the kitty, unless its for paying our big salaries to managers nobody would miss, Thanet Council has a chief executive and deputy chief executive, why not get rid of one, I spoke with one councillor recently who thought Thanet council could lose 10% of its staff and nobody would notice.
Why not have our Tory council that do what we expect of conservatives, that is deliver services cheaply maybe Sandy & Roger take too much advice from "officers" rather than take charge.
Good to see someone say what needs saying. How can you have a tourist attracting town with nothing to see? I wonder if it is another petty feud as i understand Bill Hayton was a trustee of the musuems? The caves already going too.
ReplyDeleteThe whole council has just become a laughing stock. The latest on Northdown house is the lower not upper floors (they are to be left deliberately empty) are to be staff offices moved in from other areas. The boarding up idea is being denied. TLF are being told not to make a fuss otherwise they will loose their grant for other activites, keep the winter gardens going that is their main aim. Enormous ugly white elephant that is. All other assets of quality dont matter the Winter gardens needs keeping up. That is the line taken at the Asset consultation and seems to be their policy.
The Asset selling procedure is to be streamlined to make public consultation less they think we are mugs. Power to the people!
A power for change could be on the cards. I'm still trying to figure out the implications but I think it might shake things up here a bit. I'll blog it when I know more.
ReplyDeleteWhen I speak to other people outside the area. they also comment "why do people put up with this council? Locals are not happy with the decline of this lovely area, and YES the council have alot to blame for this decline. And back to the old grumble, why can"t their employees pay something towards parking, as this money would at least contribute something towards saving our musemuns. The council seem more concerned with PR, yet things like free parking are not advertised in Margate on a Saturday but happy to have front page news.The traders meeting, the council blamed the credit crunch, it seemed to have hit Margate along time before the rest of the world!
ReplyDeleteyou talk toal RUBBISH (and you need to learn how to spell)
ReplyDelete